JAVMANewsSubsection

Obituaries

Posted March 20, 2013​

AVMA member AVMA honor roll member Nonmember

Benton C. Allen Jr.Dr. Allen (IL ’57), 80, Galesburg, Ill., died Nov. 27, 2012. During his more than 40-year career, he practiced small animal medicine, first in Dunlap, Ill., and later at Knox Veterinary Clinic in Galesburg. Dr. Allen was a lifetime member of the Illinois State VMA. Active in civic life, he served on the District 205 School Board and Regional School Board and was a member of the Kiwanis Club, receiving its Hixton Award for community service. Dr. Allen also served as a court-appointed special advocate for children and volunteered with Hospice Compassus. His wife, Ruth; two daughters; and a son survive him. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 101 N. Prairie, Galesburg, IL 61401.

William E. BeaversDr. Beavers (OSU ’51), 93, Brookville, Ohio, died Oct. 3, 2012. Prior to retirement in 2008, he owned a small animal practice in Brookville. Early in his career, Dr. Beavers worked for the Department of Agriculture. He was a life member of the Ohio VMA, was a past president of the Brookville Rotary Club, served as Rotary district governor in 1988, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Dr. Beavers served in the Army during World War II, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. He was awarded a Purple Heart. Dr. Beavers was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. His wife, Mary, survives him. Memorials may be made to the Brookville Masonic Lodge, 259 Hay Ave., Brookville, OH 45309; or Brookville Handi Van Ministry, 42 W. Westbrook Road, Brookville, OH 45309.

Darrell L. BowerDr. Bower (KSU ’63), 77, Columbus, Kan., died Dec. 11, 2012. He served as a veterinary medical officer with the Department of Ag-riculture. Earlier in his career, Dr. Bower owned a mixed animal practice, serving the quad-state area for almost 30 years. He was a member of the Kansas VMA, Texas Longhorn Association, and Freemasons. Dr. Bower is survived by a daughter and a son. Memorials toward a future college scholarship may be made to the Columbus Community Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 323, Columbus, KS 66725.

Benjamin H. CassuttoDr. Cassutto (VMR ’89), 52, Millsboro, Del., died Oct. 18, 2012. At the time of his death, he was president of Lightbeacon Veterinary Consulting in Millsboro. Dr. Cassutto also served as campus veterinarian at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Md., and taught at Delaware Technical Community College.

Following graduation and until 1995, he practiced small animal medicine in Virginia and Maryland. From 1995 to early 2000, Dr. Cassutto served in the Army. During that time, he was chief of the veterinary resources section at the clinical research laboratory at Kessler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss.; served as the liaison to the commander in animal care and use; and was the veterinary officer at Kadena Air Force Base in Japan. Dr. Cassutto attained the rank of captain.

Subsequent to his military service, he worked for a year at the Reisterstown 24-Hour Veterinary Complex in Reis­ters­town, Md. From 2001-2005, Dr. Cassutto owned a weekend wellness clinic in Salisbury, simultaneously working for Intervet/Akzo in Delaware. He went on to operate a Banfield pet hospital in Salisbury until establishing his veterinary consulting company in 2010. Dr. Cassutto was a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s veterinary medical assistance team. His wife, Elizabeth, survives him. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Arthur E. DavisDr. Davis (COR ’44), 92, Delhi, N.Y., died Nov. 18, 2012. Prior to retirement in 1987, he served as a veterinarian for the state of New York and worked for the federal government in meat inspection. Earlier in his career, Dr. Davis practiced mixed animal medicine in Delhi. He was a member of the New York State VMS and Catskill Mountain VMA. Dr. Davis was a veteran of the Army. He is survived by his wife, Olga.

Russell W. HacklerDr. Hackler (MO ’70), 68, Danville, Calif., died Nov. 23, 2012. A mixed animal veterinarian, he owned Grove Way Veterinary Hospital in Castro Valley, Calif., until April 2012, focusing on small animal medicine for the past 25 years. Earlier in his career, Dr. Hackler owned Eden Pet Hospital in Castro Valley and Dublin Pet Hospital in Dublin, Calif. He was a founding member of the Southern Alameda County Pet Emergency Clinic and donated his services to the Rowell Ranch Rodeo, Tri-Valley Fix our Ferals, Friends of the Fairmont Animal Shelter, 4-H Club, Sulphur Creek Nature Center, and Dusty Paws Rescue. An avid pilot, Dr. Hackler volunteered his time and resources to LIGA International, flying medical supplies and medical professionals to a free clinic in El Fuerte, Mexico. He was a veteran of the Army, attaining the rank of captain. Dr. Hackler’s wife, Kathie; two daughters; and a son survive him. Memorials may be made to Sulphur Creek Nature Center, 1801 D St., Hayward, CA 94541.

Theron A. HauflerDr. Haufler (KSU ’57), 80, Montfort, Wis., died Sept. 18, 2012. Following graduation, he moved to Fennimore, Wis., where he practiced mixed animal medicine for a number of years. During that time, Dr. Haufler established Fennimore Veterinary Clinic and bought a farm near Montfort. He was a past president of the Southwestern Wisconsin VMA. Dr. Haufler’s wife, Rose Anne; two daughters; and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

John T. HelgesonDr. Helgeson (MIN ’78), 63, Reedsburg, Wis., died Oct. 16, 2012. A food animal practitioner, he owned Dairyland Veterinary Clinic in Reedsburg for more than 30 years. Earlier in his career, Dr. Helgeson practiced in Blanchardville, Wis. He was a member of the Southwest Wisconsin VMA. Dr. Helgeson’s wife, Diane; a daughter; and a son survive him. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 624 N. Willow St., Reedsburg, WI 53959.

Donald E. HurDr. Hur (CAL ’57), 86, Lakeside, Ore., died Nov. 28, 2012. He was the co-founder of Santa Barbara Pet Hospital, a small animal practice in Santa Barbara, Calif. Dr. Hur also helped develop and donated his services to the Santa Barbara Zoo. He was a past president of the California and Santa Barbara-Ventura VMAs. Dr. Hur was a member of the Santa Barbara Junior Chamber of Commerce. He is survived by two sons. Dr. Hur’s grandson, Dr. Brian Hur (WSU ’11), works at Animal Emergency Hospital of Redmond in Redmond, Wash.

Howard A. HurleyDr. Hurley (GA ’62), 79, Newnan, Ga., died Dec. 31, 2012. Prior to retirement in 1999, he owned a mixed animal practice in Newnan. Dr. Hurley also established an artificial insemination operation and volunteered his services to Coweta County. He was a veteran of the Army. Dr. Hurley is survived by his wife, Charlotte.

Steve L.H. Tsonoma JohnsonDr. Johnson (CAL ’61), 74, Helena, Mont., died Aug. 13, 2012. He raised Hereford cattle and ranched in Elbert County, Colo., before retiring to Helena in 2003. Following graduation, Dr. Johnson established a large animal practice in the Healdsburg area of California. Soon after, he took over the operation of the family’s Redwood Hereford Ranch in California’s Sonoma County. In 1974, Dr. Johnson obtained his master’s in education from Stanford University and began a teaching career that included work at the Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania and the Mountain School in Vermont. He retired from teaching in 1990.

Dr. Johnson co-founded the Alexander Valley Association for agricultural preservation in Alexander County, Calif., and served on the Open Lands Advisory Committee in Elbert County. His wife, Mary Irish, and three children survive him. Memorials may be made to the Prickly Pear Land Trust, P.O. Box 892, Helena, MT 59624; or Hospice of St. Peter’s, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.

William T. LondonDr. London (MO ’58), 85, Glen Arm, Md., died Dec. 11, 2012. His wife, Lorraine; a daughter; and a son survive him. Memorials in his name may be made to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031; or Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement, 5910 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212.

Dennis K. MannDr. Mann (IL ’60), 83, Centralia, Ill., died Dec. 26, 2012. After earning his master’s in public health from Tulane University in 1963 and a doctorate in veterinary medical sciences at the University of Illinois in 1967, he worked in microbiology at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, the former Sangamon State University, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, and the School of Medicine at Marshall University. Dr. Mann then served as a veterinary pathologist with the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Centralia Animal Disease Laboratory for 23 years prior to retirement in 2000. He was a member of the North Central Conference of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and the Illinois State and Southern Illinois VMAs. Dr. Mann is survived by his wife, Mary; a daughter; and two sons.

Jack MannixDr. Mannix (CAL ’80), 60, Coto De Caza, Calif., died Dec. 4, 2012. A small animal veterinarian, he owned San Juan Animal Hospital in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., since 1986. Earlier in his career, Dr. Mannix practiced at Carmel Animal Hospital in Carmel, Calif. He was active with several organizations, including Boy Scouts of America and YMCA Indian Guides. Dr. Mannix’s wife, Liz, and three children survive him. Memorials may be made to Guide Dogs For the Blind, P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael, CA 94912; University of California-Davis Companion Animal Memorial Fund, Office of Development, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616; or The Ark of San Juan–Companion Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 117, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693.

George W. MeyerholzDr. Meyerholz (ISU ’54), 84, Estero, Fla., died Nov. 30, 2012. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, he retired in 1990 from the Department of Agriculture’s Extension Service. Prior to joining the USDA in 1981 as program leader of veterinary medicine, Dr. Meyerholz was extension veterinarian and coordinator of veterinary medical extension at the University of Florida, where he also served as a professor. Early in his career, he was an extension veterinarian in Freeport, Ill., and served in the same capacity at the University of Illinois. Dr. Meyerholz was a past president of the American Association of Extension Veterinarians and a member of the Illinois State VMA. In 1981, he was named Extension Veterinarian of the Year. Dr. Meyerholz was a veteran of the Navy. He is survived by his wife, Linda; two sons; and a daughter. His cousin, Dr. David Meyerholz (ISU ’94), is a veterinarian in Williamsburg, Iowa.

Charles A. MilesDr. Miles (TEX ’85), 54, Tilden, Texas, died Dec. 25, 2012. A mixed animal practitioner, he established Brush County Veterinary Clinic in Freer, Texas, where he practiced for more than 25 years.

Jack D. NoyesDr. Noyes (IL ’59), 83, Barrington, Ill., died Dec. 5, 2012. A small animal veterinarian, he founded Noyes Animal Hospital in Barrington, where he practiced for 40 years. Dr. Noyes was a past president of the American Heartworm Society and the Illinois State VMA, Chicago VMA, and Lake County VMS. He received several honors, including the American Animal Hospital Association Region III Outstanding Practitioner Award in 1977, the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Award of Merit in 1978, and the ISVMA Service Award in 1993. Active in civic life, Dr. Noyes was a past president of the Barrington School Board and a member of the Barrington Lions Club. He served in the Army during the Korean War. Dr. Noyes’ wife, Virginia; a son; and a daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to District 220 Education Foundation, P.O. Box 262, Barrington, IL 60011.

Robert M. RagsdaleDr. Ragsdale (COL ’71), 68, Newhall, Calif., died Dec. 17, 2012. He practiced large animal medicine in Santa Clarita, Calif., for more than 40 years. Dr. Ragsdale is survived by his wife, Renel; two daughters; and a son. Memorials may be made to The Sierra Club Foundation, 85 Second St., Suite 750, San Francisco, CA 94105.

Hubert C. SeboltDr. Sebolt (MO ’51), 88, Lee’s Summit, Mo., died Dec. 22, 2012. He owned a predominantly large animal practice in Buckner, Mo., from 1957 until retirement in 1993. Earlier in his career, Dr. Sebolt practiced in Richmond, Mo. He was a member of the Missouri and Kansas City VMAs. Dr. Sebolt was an Army Signal Corps veteran in World War II. His son survives him. Memorials toward the building fund may be made to First Baptist Church, 1405 W. Main St., Blue Springs, MO 64015.

Frederick B. ShulakDr. Shulak (MSU ’58), 78, Southfield, Mich., died Nov. 29, 2012. He was the founder of North Branch Animal Hospital, a small animal practice in Southfield. Early in his career, Dr. Shulak served as a preventive medicine officer and base veterinarian with the Air Force Veterinary Corps. He attained the rank of captain.

Known for his expertise in avian medicine, Dr. Shulak was a charter member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians. He was a past treasurer of the South­eastern Michigan VMA and a life member of the Michigan VMA. In 1986, the SMVMA honored him for outstanding contributions to clinical practice. The Frederick B. Shulak Endowed Fund in Avian Medicine was established at the MSU-CVM in 2000. Memorials toward the fund may be made to Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Jerome C. SpeltzDr. Speltz (ISU ’41), 96, Rochester, Minn., died Oct. 26, 2012. He practiced mixed animal medicine in southeastern Minnesota and Wisconsin for 45 years. In retirement, Dr. Speltz served on the board of directors of Winona Volunteer Services, Winona Library, and Winona Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was also active with Meals on Wheels and was a member of the Winona Planning Commission. Dr. Speltz is survived by his wife, Laurine; three daughters; and five sons. Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Church, 83 Main St., Rollingstone, MN 55969.

David L. StewartDr. Stewart (MIN ’69), 70, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., died Nov. 28, 2012. He practiced small animal medicine in southern Florida for 43 years. Dr. Stewart is survived by his life partner, Kristine, and a daughter.

William H. StewartDr. Stewart (TEX ’50), 92, Munday, Texas, died Nov. 23, 2012. He owned a practice in Munday. Dr. Stewart was a veteran of the Air Force. His son and two daughters survive him.

Dale O. TurnerDr. Turner (OKL ’64), 76, Pineville, La., died Nov. 30, 2012. He owned Turner Animal Clinic in Pineville prior to retirement. Earlier in his career, Dr. Turner practiced in Alexandria, La. A past vice president of the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, he helped update the state’s veterinary board examination in retirement. Dr. Turner was a member of the Louisiana VMA and received the 1993 Ralph C. Cooper Veterinarian of the Year Award.

Active in civic life, he co-founded the Central Louisiana Food Bank, was a past president of the Coalition Against Homelessness in Central Louisiana, and volunteered with the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. He received the Lions Club Outstanding Citizen Award in 1991. Dr. Turner was a veteran of the Air Force. His wife, Janice; two sons; and a daughter survive him.

Steven J. WagnerDr. Wagner (WSU ’68), 68, Oak Hills, Calif., died Nov. 18, 2012. He practiced mixed animal medicine in California, initially in Upland, and more recently, in Phelan. Dr. Wagner was a past president of the California VMA. He served as an investigator for the Bureau of Consumer Affairs, volunteered as a San Bernardino Sheriff’s reserve deputy and ranger, and was active with the Wild Horsemen of America. Dr. Wagner is survived by his wife, Nancy; a daughter; and a son. Memorials may be made to Wild Horsemen of America, 10637 Anaconda Ave., Oak Hills, CA 92345; www.wildhorsemen.com.

Marion K. WeberleinDr. Weberlein (MSU ’55), 83, Cheboygan, Mich., died Dec. 27, 2012. A small animal practitioner, she owned Black River Animal Hospital in Cheboygan from 1976 until retirement in 1999. Dr. Weberlein also raised and showed Arabian horses. Earlier in her career, she practiced in Plymouth, Mich. Dr. Weberlein was a founding member of the Cheboygan County Humane Society. Memorials may be made to Cheboygan County Humane Society, 3107 N. 20th St., Sheboygan, WI 53083.